A letter to first year me... 💌
Can you believe it’s been four years since you first stepped onto campus? Four years since those Ikea trips, moving into halls, and the tearful goodbyes as family drove away on that first day. There's so much to look forward to as you embark on this incredible journey. As I move on, I want to leave with you the most important lessons I've learned along the way...
Firstly, be kind to yourself. Moving away from home to a new place with unfamiliar faces can be challenging, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Throughout this journey, you'll lose your way and find yourself a hundred times over. You'll make friends, lose friends, ace assignments, doubt your abilities, and worry if you're on the right path. And that's okay! In the end, it will all make sense. You are more capable than you realise, and these experiences will shape you into a stronger, better person.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. The things that are stressing you out today will likely be forgotten in a day, a week, a month, or a year. Try to maintain perspective and not let minor setbacks derail this amazing path you’re on. Instead of getting caught up in the moment, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Each challenge you face will teach you resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance.
Step out of your comfort zone. While it may feel intimidating at first, taking that leap will become easier with practice. Embrace the discomfort because growth happens when you challenge yourself and venture beyond what’s familiar. Whether it's starting an internship, taking on a difficult project, or meeting new people, you'll realise that these experiences, though initially daunting, are the ones that shape you the most and pay off in the long run.
Celebrate our achievements, big and small. Each milestone is a testament to your hard work and dedication. From overcoming your social anxieties, to acing an exam and landing that internship, every step forward has contributed to the person you are today. Recognise your progress and be immensely proud of it.
Make the most of it. As I write this now, I can hardly believe how quickly the time has flown by. These past four years, the best of my life, have passed in the blink of an eye. So, cherish every moment. Embrace the late-night study sessions and value the friendships that will support you through thick and thin. Each experience is a vital part of this incredible adventure. Savour the highs and learn from the lows, because these moments are what make your university years unforgettable.
As you stand at the finish line, ready to step into the future, know that the journey was worth it. You've grown, learned, and evolved into a stronger, wiser, and more confident version of yourself. The road ahead is filled with endless possibilities, and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
With pride and excitement,
Hannah.